WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. secured several critical priorities in the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. This legislation will strengthen U.S. national security by supporting the development of new technologies, coordinate with America’s global network of allies and partners, and uplift service members and their families, who form the foundation for America’s defense.
The bill included an amendment by Congressman Carter that would extend the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Program. This program provides business development support and assistance to eligible small, disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) seeking to participate in federal contracting. This amendment would allow the minority, veteran and women-owned business owners that participate one more year to utilize the program.
“Today’s House passage of the NDAA proves our commitment to those who serve our country in uniform is stronger than ever,” said Congressman Carter. “This year’s defense bill includes bold initiatives to support a diverse and talented military and civilian workforce, provides historic funding for research activities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), supports pay raises for service members and civilians, and deepens our alliances and partnerships during a critical moment for democracies worldwide. I am also proud that this legislation includes a $15 an hour minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts as well as my amendment to add an additional year to the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program. This extension of one year will help more, small, historically-disadvantaged business owners greater utilize the business development supports and resources that this program provides.”
The 8(a) Program is currently a nine-year program within the Small Business Administration that offers business development and assistance to eligible small, disadvantaged businesses seeking to participate in federal contracting. A major benefit of the program is that participants have access to training, technical assistance, and contracting opportunities in the form of set asides or sole-source opportunities. The Congressman’s amendment would add an additional year for businesses to participate in the program.
The House version of FY23 NDAA includes a range of key national security priorities for Louisianians and Americans, including:
Vital benefits for service members and their families, including a 4.6% pay raise for service members and civilian personnel, 2.4% inflation bonuses for service members earning less than $45,000/year and a $15/hour minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts.
Over $4 million in funds to update, green, and bring resiliency to military bases and buildings in Louisiana, including the Louisiana National Guard Munitions Administrative Facility Base in Belle Chase, the Abbeville Readiness Center in Abbeville, and Camp Beauregard in Pineville.
Support for HBCUs and other minority serving institutions, allocating over $111 million for research activities at HBCUS and establishing a pilot program to increase research capacity at minority serving institutions.
Civilian harm mitigation measures, including the establishment of a Commission on Civilian Harm and a Center for Excellence in Civilian Harm Mitigation at the Department of Defense.
New investments in science and technology competitiveness, including $275 million in additional funding for next-generation capabilities in hypersonics, electronic warfare, directed energy, artificial intelligence, and software.
Supply chain security, including an assessment of dual-use technology and improving risk management in DoD supply chains involving pharmaceutical products.
Resources for U.S. allies and partners, including $1 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and funding for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) and Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI).
Fighting for Safety in Haiti, As a member of the Congressional Haitian Caucus Congressman Carter supported measures to require Commerce and the AG to submit a report on arms trafficking in Haiti as well as a resolution asserting the importance of the Haiti-US relationship and that the nation’s recovery from these recent crises to be democratic and driven by the Haitian people.
A summary of the provisions in the FY23 NDAA is available here.